The Bharatiya Janata Party is preparing to formally stake claim to form the next government in West Bengal following its strong performance in the recently concluded Assembly elections, while several Opposition parties have extended support to outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee amid the ongoing political turmoil in the state.
Senior BJP leaders held multiple rounds of meetings in Kolkata and New Delhi on Thursday to finalise the process for government formation after the dissolution of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly by Governor R. N. Ravi upon completion of its term.
Party leaders said the BJP Legislature Party meeting is expected to be held shortly to elect its leader before formally approaching the Governor. Sources within the party indicated that preparations are underway for a grand swearing-in ceremony in Kolkata, likely at Brigade Parade Ground on May 9. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior NDA leaders are expected to attend the event.
The political atmosphere in Bengal remains tense after Mamata Banerjee questioned the election outcome and refused to immediately resign following the declaration of results. The Trinamool Congress alleged large-scale irregularities and demanded a review of several constituencies, claims that have been rejected by both the Election Commission and BJP leaders.
Several Opposition parties, however, have come out in support of Mamata Banerjee. Leaders from the Congress, Left parties and some regional outfits criticised the BJP over what they termed “political pressure tactics” and called for constitutional safeguards during the transition of power. Some Opposition leaders also accused the Centre of trying to destabilise Bengal politics after the election.
Meanwhile, the BJP has maintained that it received a democratic mandate from the people of West Bengal and accused the Trinamool Congress of attempting to create confusion after the election defeat. BJP leaders said the party would follow all constitutional procedures before forming the government.
The situation has also sparked concerns over law and order after reports of sporadic post-poll violence emerged from different districts, including Murshidabad, North 24 Parganas and Cooch Behar. The state administration and central forces have increased monitoring in sensitive areas to prevent further clashes.
Political observers believe the coming days will be crucial as the state prepares for a change in administration after more than a decade of Trinamool Congress rule. The Governor’s next steps regarding inviting the largest party to form the government are now being closely watched across the political spectrum.
